Definition of plum

The word "plum" has a rich history! It originated from the Old English word "plumme", which referred to the fruit of the prune tree (Prunus domestica). The word "plum" is believed to have come from the Latin "prunum", meaning "plum". The Latin term is derived from the Greek word "σπάλα" (spala), which referred to the fruit of the cherry plum tree. The word "plum" has evolved over time to refer not only to the fruit but also to a variety of meanings. In the 14th century, it was used to describe a type of raised area on a house, while in the 17th century, it referred to a type of military rank in the British Army. Today, the word "plum" is often used as a metaphor to describe something desirable or sought after, such as a "plum job" or a "plum assignment".